The Most Important Legacy of Joe Paterno

Sometimes the world moves in mysterious yet tragic and incredible ways. The story out of Penn State is an example. My wish as a Clinical Psychologist and an advocate for victims of sexual abuse is that Joe Paterno recognizes the unique and powerful moment in time that has been thrust upon him right here, right now. Joe Paterno must realize he has been given an opportunity to make real change around the issue of...

The Million Teenage Mom March!

I know one day my precious little girl Tova, who was in a car seat not that long ago, will come to me to say that she is going to or already has had sex. And when that day comes, I expect my husband and I will laugh and cry, feeling sad for the baby that has grown up in front of our eyes and happy that we have created a home in which she feels comfortable talking to us. I imagine the conversation about sexual...

For the Sake of our Children…

Once again, what happens in politics deeply effects our families and children. You can say that the actions of Phillip Hinkle was shameful, was immoral, was scandalous; I say that we need to take a deeper look at ourselves. A reaction formation is a defense wherein anxiety about a feature of self is so intense that the person acts out an exaggerated response in the opposite direction. In the recent example of...

Cup of Tears

My therapist kept asking me “So when are you going to deal with your dad’s death?” He is a father of similar age to mine and with grey hair and glasses that could have even been worn by my dad. Annoyed I said, “Sheldon, I’m not ready. It has only been a month ok!” I am still numb. I don’t want to look at pictures of my father. I think because I am afraid of what I will feel and at times even more...

I Hate You!!

How many times have we repeated the thought “I HATE YOU!” in our minds about our co-workers, parents or even our spouse while in a fit of frustration? Many of us have said those words to people we deeply love and care about and obviously don’t truly hate.  I must confess, right now I am thinking those awful words “I hate you!” about my own child! She is 7 but I swear she is either hormonal or actually a...